This course examines the structures of authority and power in the UK and USA – legislature, executive and judiciary – and how these differ from those of other political systems. Candidates develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes. A course based on these specifications will encourage candidates;

• to analyse and evaluate political institutions, processes and behaviour; 
• political arguments and explanations; 
• the relationship between institutions, processes, ideologies, concepts, behaviour and values; 
• identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of the political systems studied; 
• select and organise relevant material to construct arguments and explanations leading to reasoned conclusions; 
• communicate arguments and explanations with relevance, clarity and coherence, using appropriate political vocabulary.

Unit 1 - Contemporary Politics of the UK

Examination to be taken in January of Year 12

In this unit, candidates gain an understanding of parties, party systems and pressure groups in the UK as well as electoral systems, parliamentary elections, voting behaviour and party ideology.

This examination paper has two sections:

• Section A: Candidates are required to answer all source-based questions to demonstrate knowledge of political parties and pressure groups.
• Section B: Candidates are required to answer one essay question from a choice of three to demonstrate knowledge of: electoral systems; UK parliamentary elections; voting behaviour in the UK.

Unit 2 - Contemporary Government of the UK

Examination to be taken in June of Year 12

In this unit, candidates will explore the composition, role and power of the legislative and executive branches of government in the UK as well as the judiciary, constitution, rights of the individual and the EU.

This examination paper has two sections:

• Section A: Candidates are required to answer all source-based questions to demonstrate knowledge of the executive and legislature.
• Section B: Candidates are required to answer one essay question from a choice of three to demonstrate knowledge of: the constitution; the European Union; the judiciary.

Unit 3 - Contemporary US Government & Politics

Examination to be taken in January of Year 13

In this unit, candidates will gain an understanding of the government and politics of the US. They will examine the US constitution, legislature, executive and judiciary of the federal government as well as issues concerning representation and participation.

In the unit examination, candidates are required to answer question 1 and choose three questions from a choice of six to demonstrate knowledge of: presidential elections; political parties; pressure groups; the constitution; Congress; the presidency; the Supreme Court; civil rights and liberties.

Unit 4 - US Government & Politics

Examination to be taken in June of Year 13

In this unit candidates apply skills and knowledge gained in other areas of the Advanced GCE course to compare and contrast UK, American and EU political systems. Candidates are expected to supplement formal study with close attention to world political events via relevant media. Candidates are encouraged to make references beyond the UK, US and EU.

In the unit examination, candidates are required to answer two questions from a choice of eight. Candidates need to draw upon their knowledge of UK politics, US government and politics, other political systems and the European Union.

The Politics department provides full access to all teaching and revision materials via the Learning Resources Area on the school Intranet including journals such as Politics Review and Talking. Materials available include topic guides and notes, extension reading as well as examination board materials.

In addition, there are periodic e-mails of relevant press articles. Students attend external conferences on British and American politics and usually get a chance to visit the Houses of Parliament. Speakers include prominent politicians from both countries. Furthermore, there are occasional visiting speakers in to school from a political or academic background.

The opportunities on offer for students with Politics A-level are numerous, not least the prospect of studying for a degree in Politics or related area. Most years, student(s) go to Cambridge (Social and Political Sciences) or Oxford (Politics, Philosophy and Economics).

Popular career choices for Politics graduates include:

• Lawyer
• Business and Financial professionals such as Accountants, Banking and Management
• Journalist
• Teacher or Lecturer
• Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector managers

Recommended wider reading

This is particularly relevant for those considering further study beyond A-level

• Understanding Politics - M. Grant
• What is Politics?- Crick B and Crick T
• Politics UK – B Jones et al
• Governing America – R Singh
• Dude where’s my country – M Moore
• Political Ideologies; An Introduction - Andrew Heywood
• The Economist (weekly magazine)
• www.tutor2u.net 
• www.washingtonpost.com
• Film; Bowling for Columbine
• TV; The West Wing